Hay runs for JD County state’s attorney

Saturday

To John Hay of Warren, becoming the next Jo Daviess County state’s attorney would be the fulfillment of a longtime dream to be head prosecutor in the county where he grew up.

Hay, 30, is currently an assistant state’s attorney for Stephenson County. At a news conference Thursday night, he announced his intention to run for Jo Daviess County state’s attorney in the 2012 Republican primary.

Hay said he will likely face incumbent Jo Daviess County State’s Attorney Terry Kurt in that primary. Kurt has not officially announced his intention to run again, but Hay said he expects this to occur soon. Kurt was unavailable for comment for this story.

To John Hay of Warren, becoming the next Jo Daviess County state’s attorney would be the fulfillment of a longtime dream to be head prosecutor in the county where he grew up.
Hay, 30, is currently an assistant state’s attorney for Stephenson County. At a news conference Thursday night, he announced his intention to run for Jo Daviess County state’s attorney in the 2012 Republican primary.
Hay said he will likely face incumbent Jo Daviess County State’s Attorney Terry Kurt in that primary. Kurt has not officially announced his intention to run again, but Hay said he expects this to occur soon. Kurt was unavailable for comment for this story.
“The reason I decided to run is because I was born and raised in Jo Daviess County and I still live here,” Hay said Friday. “Also, being a prosecutor is my dream job. I think it’s one of the best jobs in the world.”
If elected, Hay said his approach to being state’s attorney will be different from Kurt’s. For one thing, Hay said he will prosecute all felony cases in Jo Daviess County. According to Hay, Kurt does not prosecute all the felonies and designates some of that work to assistant state’s attorneys.
In addition, Hay said he wants to form a Criminal Justice Advisory Board to gather input from Jo Daviess County citizens.
Hay attended Northern Illinois University and graduated in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He then enrolled in law school at NIU and graduated with a juris doctor law degree in 2007. While attending law school, Hay interned with the Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Hay was hired as an assistant state’s attorney in
Stephenson County in October 2007. Since taking that position, Hay has prosecuted thousands of cases, including petty offenses, juvenile cases, misdemeanors, and serious felonies. The felony cases have included crimes such as attempted armed robbery, delivery of controlled substances, sexual abuse, domestic battery, and DUI.
“I have prosecuted well over 100 trials, which have been in front of a judge or jury,” Hay said.
Work Ethic
To Hay, a state’s attorney must have a strong work ethic and be willing to work long hours. Also, the state’s attorney must always uphold the honesty and integrity of the office, and treat every defendant equally.
Hay said the most gratifying part of being a prosecutor is ensuring that justice is done for crime victims and their families.
“You get to help individual people in the community,” Hay said. “It is one of the best feelings in the world when the case is finished and you can tell them justice was done.”
Hay lives in Warren with his wife, Jennifer.

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